Getting pregnant is a natural and beautiful process, but not everyone finds it easy. Fertility issues are becoming increasingly common around the world. According to the World Health Organization, infertility affects about 10% to 15% of couples of reproductive age worldwide. However, couples can still achieve their dream of having a baby with the help of an OBGYN Fertility specialist.
An OBGYN Fertility specialist is a trained medical professional who helps couples conceive through a variety of treatments, including IVF, IUI, ICSI, and surrogacy. These procedures can be costly, time-consuming and emotionally draining, so it’s essential to approach them with the right mindset and lifestyle habits. Here are some do’s and don’ts that can help increase the success of fertility treatments.
Do’s
– Get a full health check-up: Both partners should get checked up before starting any fertility treatment. This check-up should include standard gynecological and urological examination, blood tests, semen analysis, and imaging studies.
– Maintain a healthy weight: Being under or overweight can lead to hormonal imbalances and affect fertility. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can help increase the chances of conception.
– Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help improve fertility by maintaining a healthy weight, reducing stress, and improving blood circulation to reproductive organs.
– Get enough sleep: Getting enough quality sleep can help balance hormones and reduce stress, which can increase fertility.
– Eat a well-balanced diet: A balanced diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains can help regulate hormones and improve fertility. Some examples of fertility-boosting foods include avocados, leafy greens, nuts, berries, and wild-caught fish.
– Manage stress: High-stress levels can interfere with ovulation and decrease sperm production. Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
– Stay informed: Keep up with the latest advancements in fertility treatments, including new studies and medical breakthroughs.
Don’ts
– Smoke or use drugs: Smoking or drug use can decrease fertility in both men and women. It’s best to avoid smoking or using drugs completely.
– Drink excessively: Excessive alcohol consumption can decrease fertility in both men and women. It’s best to keep alcohol intake to a minimum or avoid it altogether during fertility treatments.
– Consume caffeine: It’s best to limit caffeine intake, as excessive caffeine consumption can interfere with fertility.
– Use certain medications: Some medications can interfere with fertility. It’s best to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication during fertility treatments.
– Engage in strenuous activities: Strenuous activities such as heavy weightlifting, marathon running, or vigorous cycling can interfere with fertility. It’s best to avoid these activities during fertility treatments.
IVF, IUI, ICSI, and Surrogacy
IVF (In vitro fertilization) is a complex and time-consuming fertility treatment that involves fertilizing an egg outside the body and implanting it into the uterus. This procedure is usually recommended for women who have blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, or low ovarian reserve.
IUI (Intrauterine insemination) involves placing sperm into the woman’s uterus to increase the chances of conception. This procedure is recommended for couples who have unexplained infertility or mild male factor infertility.
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic sperm injection) is a form of IVF that involves injecting a single sperm into an egg to increase the chances of fertilization. This procedure is recommended for couples who have severe male factor infertility or if the woman’s eggs are difficult to fertilize.
Surrogacy involves a woman carrying and giving birth to a child for another couple or individual. This procedure is recommended for couples who are unable to carry a child due to medical conditions or other reasons.
In conclusion, fertility issues are becoming more common around the world. However, with the help of an OBGYN Fertility specialist, couples can still achieve their dream of having a baby. By following the do’s and don’ts mentioned above and adopting healthy lifestyle habits, the chances of conception can increase significantly. Moreover, couples can opt for different fertility treatments such as IVF, IUI, ICSI, and surrogacy. Proper guidance and counseling from a healthcare professional can help choose the best fertility treatment for each couple.